Inflatable profile with high pneumatic rigidity

ABSTRACT

An inflatable shaped structure comprising an assembly of pneumatic tubular elements, characterized by the combination of a number of inflatable tubes made from elastic material and a fabric casing forming adjacent elongated cells which contain the tubes, each pair of adjacent cells having plane sides joined by stitching along at least one generator to the vicinity of a continuous wall which closes the cells. Its application to orthopaedic clothing.

United States Patent 1191 Hatton INFLATABLE PROFILE WITH HIGH PNEUMATICRIGIDITY [75] Inventor: Gildas Hatton, Paris, France [73] Assignee:Aerazur Constructions Aeronautiques Anciens Establissements ClandeEthatten,

Issy-Les-Moulineaux, France [22] Filed: June 28, 1972 [21] -Appl. No.:267,162

[30] Foreign Application Priority Data Dec. 14, 1971 France 71.44817[52] US. Cl 128/78, 128/DIG. 20, 2/DIG. 3 [51] Int. Cl. A6lf 5/02 [58]Field Of Search 128/78, 87, DIG. 20, 83, 128/84; 2/DIG. 3, 2.1

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,589,670 6/1926 Vartia....,128/75 1,891,492 12/1932 Anderson 9/2 2,028,060 1/1936 Gilbert 47/232,245,909 6/1941 Enfiajian 128/D1G. 20 2,397,710 4/1946 Versoy et al128/1 2,501,903 3/1950 Huggins 2/267 2,531,074 11/1950 Miller 128/D1G.20

[111 3 ,823,711 [451 July 16, 1974 Primary Examiner-Richard A. GaudetAssistant Examiner-J. Yasko Attorney, Agent, or Firm'-William AnthonyDrucker s7 ABSTRACT An inflatable shaped structure comprising anassembly of pneumatic tubular elements, characterized by the combinationof a number of inflatable tubes made from elastic material and a fabriccasing forming adjacent elongated cells which contain the tubes, eachpair of adjacent cells having plane sides. joined by stitching along atleast one generator to the vicinity of a continuous wall which closesthecells.

Its application to orthopaedic clothing.

9 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures PATENTEU JUL 1 e 1914 SHEET 2 0F 2 FIGS FICA

INFLATABLE PROFILE WITH HIGH PNEUMATIC RIGIDITY Some pneumaticmattresses are made of two layers I of fabric water-proofed with latexand stuck together along parallel lines in order to form severalinflatable cylinders.

Such a structure will only support relatively weak inflation pressures,of the order of 200 g/cm (2.84 pounds per square inch) for example, andprovides no continuous plane surface.

The structure of the invention can support inflation pressures which mayreach, for example, several kg/cm (1 kg/cm 14.2 pounds per square inch).

It is mainly characterized by the combination of a number of cubes ofrubber or other elastic material and a fabric casing forming adjacentelongated cells which contain the tubes, each pair of adjacent cellshaving plane sides joined by stitching along at least one generator tothe vicinity of a continuous wall which closes the cells.

In a preferred mode of execution the cells are in the form ofsquare-section pipes, closed on one side by a sheet of fabric to whichthey are stitched, and at least one second line of stitching joinsadjacent cells on the opposite side, forming plane sides in mutualcontact between the cells, which act as braces after inflation.

Although theinvention will be more particularly described in the sequelby reference to its application to an orthopaedic costume, it should bewell understood that the structure above can be used for a wide varietyor purposes.

The invention will be better understood with the help of the followingdescription.

In the following drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view, with a transverse section, of a shapeconforming to a preferred mode of execution of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a section of a leg dressed in an orthopaedic costume usingsuch a shape;

FIG. 3 is a back view of such a costume, and

FIG. 4 is the front view.v

FIG. 1 shows a part of an elongated section comprising. by way ofexample, three latex tubes 1-3 contained in a fabric casing.

The latter consists of a plane side 4 and three parts 5-7 formingpipes.rThe parts 5-7 are stitched to the side 4 at 8, 9, l0, 11, 12 and13. They also are stitched to each other, on the one hand in the vicintyof the side 4 (at and 11, for example), and on the other hand at theiropposite side (at 14 and 15, for example). This results in the adjacentplane sides of the pipes being in mutual contact and acting as braces.

Zip fasteners, not shown, may be provided to allow the tubes to bethreaded in the casing, previously sewn 2 so as to be an integral partof the assembly to which they are applied.

By way of example, FIG. 2 shows a leg 16 of an orthopaedic costume inwhich each leg is provided with two sections 17 and 18. The section 17'comprises three tubes and is intended for application to the back of thepatients leg, while the section 18, with only two tubes, is applied tothe front part of the leg.

It can be seen that the sections 17 and 18 form an integral part of theleg of the costume, the fabric wall 16 closing the pipes of the twostructures. In this connection, the circumferential wall of each'tubularcell has a length which upon inflation of the infaltable tubes 1,

2 and 3 minimizes any tightening of the fabric 16 enclosing the lowerextremity. Yet because of the adjacent wall structure in contactrelation one with theother as well as the spaced stitching 8, 9, 10, 11,12

and 13 securing the tubular wall structures to the fabric 16 they doindeed form the needed, in integral, bracing means.

' When the tubes are inflated they completely fill the interior space ofthe pipes, slightly rounding their exterior walls, and the adjoiningwalls stretch and become rigid. Each section thus forms a homogeneousstructure in which the stretched adjoining walls act as stiffeningbraces, and has considerable rigidity.

The rigidity is very much greater'than would be the case if the tubeswere completely separated from each other.

In the-application described here, it is indispensible that theadjoining walls of the pipes be joined by at least two lines ofstitching in order to form stiffening braces after inflation.

However, in other applications where less rigidity is needed a singleline of stitching will suffice to prevent the tubes from separatingduring inflation.

The fabric usedis an aerated linen and preferably fireproofed. Thestructure is then permeableto air, which is important in the case of anorthopaedic costume. It is clearly much lighter and more flexible than ametal or plastic frame, yet possesses sufficient rigidity to replacethem in most cases.

The orthopaedic costume shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, made from a light strongfabric, aerated and preferably fireproof, consists of a garment fittedaround the legs and the body up to a certain height. It is supported byshoulder-straps or other means, not shown, and can be puton easilythanks to zip fasteners 19, 20 and 21 (FIG. 4.) or otherv quickfastenings, so positioned that it can be laid flat when the fastenersare open: the user can then lie on the costume and put it on unaided.

Suitably positioned lacings 22, 23 allow adjustment for differing bodysizes, so as to fit closely without impeding the circulation.

Two openings, posterior 24, and anterior 25, are provided so that thefemoral artery will not come under any pressure, which would causeserious problems in the case of prolonged wearing of the costume.

A gusset 26, freed by a zip fastener 27, gives fullness at a variableheight according to the case being treated. This arrangement is notlimitative; nor is the number of tubes which comprise each tubularsection. The ante rior tubular sections FIG. 4 are shown with threetubes in their upper part and two tubes in their lower part. It may bepreferable in some cases to prolong the third tube to the bottom of thesection.

The tubes are closed at either end, as is the casing, and are joined toeach other and to the tubes of the other sections of the costume by aflexible tube 32 (FIGS. 3 and 4).

A feeding device (not shown) comprises preferably a micro-valve, astriker and a valve fixed to the tube 32.

A bottle of carbonic gas or a compresser with a presl5 sure-reducer maybe joined to the valve to ensure inflation.

When the user has no such source available, he operates the strikerwhich opens a cartridge of carbonic gas (not shown), which may also bejoined to the valve. The microvalve is to allow decompression.

The inflation pressure needed to ensure bodily sup port for an adult isof the order of 2 bars or 29.4 pounds per square inch.

The costume thus inflated exerts a light pressure on the members, whichsuppresses hypotension.

It goes without saying that the number and the size of the tubes, andthe different details of the realization described, are not limitative.

It is advisable to note here that, in the costume described and shown, acontinuous and sensibly uniform support is given along the length of thepatients body, with the result that his bones are put under pressure andthe body support is effected normally by bone pressure.

in particular cases where it would be useful, a ground support couldnevertheless be provided.

I claim:

1. An inflatable shaped structure comprising an assembly of pneumatictubular elements, characterized by the combination of a number ofparallel inflatable tubes made from gas tight elastic material and afabric casing forming adjacent elongated cells which contain the tubes,each pair of adjacent cells having plane sides joined along at least oneside to the vicinity ofa continuous wall which closes-the cellscharacterized in that the cells have the form of square-section pipes,closed on one side by a sheet of air permeable fabric to which they arestitched, and by at least a second line of stitching which joinsadjacent cells on the opposite side, forming plane sides in mutualcontact between the cells, which act as braces after inflation.

2. An orthopedic brace of high pneumatic rigidity comprising:

tubular wall structures of light, strong fabric for close-fittingwrap-around disposition with each lower extremity having a plurality ofcontiguous, tubular cellsc'losed at their ends and extending lengthwiseof each extremity;

each said cell having radially extending sidewalls in contact with likesidewalls of each adjacent cell;

means securing each said sidewall to said fabric to form elongatedbraces some of which are of double fabric thickness and all of whichextend parallel to the long axes of said tubular wall structures; and

means including gas-impervious wall structure for induces rigidity ofsaid tubular wall without increase in inward pressure upon saidextremities sufficient to impede blood circulation.

3. The orthopedic brace ofclaim 2 in which said tu- 5 bular cells areeach of generally rectangular shape before inflation.

4. The orthopedic brace of claim 2 in which said tubular cells are eachof generally rectangular shape before inflation, said fabric of saidtubular enclosures forming corresponding wall portions of each saidcell, and means securing each said sidewall to said fabric of saidtubular enclosures.

5. An orthopedic brace of high pneumatic ridigity for an extremity ofthe body, comprising:

enclosing means of a light, strong, fabric for close contor-fltting ofsaid extremity; tubular wall structure of light, strong, fabric having aplurality of contiguous, tubular cells closed at their ends andextending lengthwise of said extremy; I v an elastic tube coextensive inlength with and dis posed within each said cell; each said cell having asidewall in contact with a like sidewall of each adjacent cell to form aplurality .of elongated braces of double fabric thickness; and means forinflating said elastic tubes to a pressure which produces rigidity ofsaid tubular wall structures without increase in circumferentialpressure upon said extremity. 6. An orthopedic bracing costume of highpneumatic rigidity adapted for use with at least one of the lowerextremities, comprising: 7

. extremity enclosing means; adapted for close contorfitting; a tubularwall structures, on the outer surface of said enclosing means, at leastone of which is adapted to be disposed in front of and another of whichis adapted to be disposed behind the knee; each said tubular wallstructure being a dimensionally stable fabric casing having therein atleast a pair of elastic inflatable tubular cells closed at both ends andextending lengthwise of said extremity;' each said cell having radiallyextending sidewalls in contact with the sidewalls of an adjacent cell;and

means including gas-impervious wall structure for inflating said tubularcells to a pressure which pro duces rigidity of said tubular wallstructures without increase in inward pressure upon said extremitiessufficient to impede blood circulation.

7. An orthopedic bracing costume of high pneumatic rigidity adapted foruse with at least one of the lower extremities, comprising:

extremity enclosing means of flexible sheet material adapted for closecontor-fitting;

tubular wall structures of flexible sheet material on the outer surfaceof said enclosing means, at least one of which is adapted to be disposedin front of and another of which is adapted to be disposed behind theknee;

each said tubular wall structure having therein at least two tubularcells closed at both ends and extending lengthwise of said extremity,

each'said cell having a radially extending sidewall in contact with alike sidewall of an adjacent cell; and

means including gas-impervious wall structure for inhave openingssomewhat greater than the regions in flating said tubular cells to apressure which prowhich the femoral arteries surface in avoidance ofreduces rigidity of said tubular wall structures withstrictivepressureupon said arteries. out increase of inward pressure upon saidextremi- 9. A costume according to claim 7 in which the flexitiessufficient to impede blood circulation. 5 ble sheet material of theextremity enclosing means is 8. The orthopedic bracing costume of claim7 in permeable to body fluids and vapors. which said enclosing means inthe region of the crotch v

1. An inflatable shaped structure comprising an assembly of pneumatictubular elements, characterized by the combination of a number ofparallel inflatable tubes made from gas tight elastic material and afabric casing forming adjacent elongated cells which contain the tubes,each pair of adjacent cells having plane sides joined along at least oneside to the vicinity of a continuous wall which closes the cellscharacterized in that the cells have the form of square-section pipes,closed on one side by a sheet of air permeable fabric to which they arestitched, and by at least a second line of stitching which joinsadjacent cells on the opposite side, forming plane sides in mutualcontact between the cells, which act as braces after inflation.
 2. Anorthopedic brace of high pneumatic rigidity comprising: tubular wallstructures of light, strong fabric for close-fitting wrap-arounddisposition with each lower extremity having a plurality of contiguous,tubular cells closed at their ends and extending lengthwise of eachextremity; each said cell having radially extending sidewalls in contactwith like sidewalls of each adjacent cell; means securing each saidsidewall to said fabric to form elongated braces some of which are ofdouble fabric thickness and all of which extend parallel to the longaxes of said tubular wall structures; and means including gas-imperviouswall structure for inflating said tubular cells to a pressure whichproduces rigidity of said tubular wall without increase in inwardpressure upon said extremities sufficient to impede blood circulation.3. The orthopedic brace of claim 2 in which said tubular cells are eachof generally rectangular shape before inflation.
 4. The orthopedic braceof claim 2 in which said tubular cells are each of generally rectangularshape before inflation, said fabric of said tubular enclosures formingcorresponding wall portions of each said cell, and means securing eachsaid sidewall to said fabric of said tubular enclosures.
 5. Anorthopedic brace of high pneumatic ridigity for an extremity of thebody, comprising: enclosinG means of a light, strong, fabric for closecontor-fitting of said extremity; tubular wall structure of light,strong, fabric having a plurality of contiguous, tubular cells closed attheir ends and extending lengthwise of said extremity; an elastic tubecoextensive in length with and disposed within each said cell; each saidcell having a sidewall in contact with a like sidewall of each adjacentcell to form a plurality of elongated braces of double fabric thickness;and means for inflating said elastic tubes to a pressure which producesrigidity of said tubular wall structures without increase incircumferential pressure upon said extremity.
 6. An orthopedic bracingcostume of high pneumatic rigidity adapted for use with at least one ofthe lower extremities, comprising: extremity enclosing means; adaptedfor close contor-fitting; tubular wall structures, on the outer surfaceof said enclosing means, at least one of which is adapted to be disposedin front of and another of which is adapted to be disposed behind theknee; each said tubular wall structure being a dimensionally stablefabric casing having therein at least a pair of elastic inflatabletubular cells closed at both ends and extending lengthwise of saidextremity; each said cell having radially extending sidewalls in contactwith the sidewalls of an adjacent cell; and means includinggas-impervious wall structure for inflating said tubular cells to apressure which produces rigidity of said tubular wall structures withoutincrease in inward pressure upon said extremities sufficient to impedeblood circulation.
 7. An orthopedic bracing costume of high pneumaticrigidity adapted for use with at least one of the lower extremities,comprising: extremity enclosing means of flexible sheet material adaptedfor close contor-fitting; tubular wall structures of flexible sheetmaterial on the outer surface of said enclosing means, at least one ofwhich is adapted to be disposed in front of and another of which isadapted to be disposed behind the knee; each said tubular wall structurehaving therein at least two tubular cells closed at both ends andextending lengthwise of said extremity; each said cell having a radiallyextending sidewall in contact with a like sidewall of an adjacent cell;and means including gas-impervious wall structure for inflating saidtubular cells to a pressure which produces rigidity of said tubular wallstructures without increase of inward pressure upon said extremitiessufficient to impede blood circulation.
 8. The orthopedic bracingcostume of claim 7 in which said enclosing means in the region of thecrotch have openings somewhat greater than the regions in which thefemoral arteries surface in avoidance of restrictive pressure upon saidarteries.
 9. A costume according to claim 7 in which the flexible sheetmaterial of the extremity enclosing means is permeable to body fluidsand vapors.